Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

If you love the crispy, gooey goodness of mozzarella sticks but crave a bold Southern twist, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks will quickly become your new obsession. This fiery snack combines the crunch of golden-brown breading, the stretchy melt of mozzarella cheese, and the signature spicy kick of Nashville hot seasoning. Perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you want to spice up snack time, these mozzarella sticks deliver comfort and heat in every bite. Unlike traditional mozzarella sticks, this version amps up the flavor with cayenne, paprika, and chili powder blended right into the coating—then finished with a hot oil drizzle for that authentic Nashville-style burn.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the coating:

• 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For frying & hot oil drizzle:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat level)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Freeze mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour to keep them from melting too quickly when fried.
2. Prepare a dredging station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb step again for a thicker crust. Place back in the freezer for 20 minutes.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. In a small pan, melt butter and whisk in cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Drizzle over the mozzarella sticks or toss them lightly for a Nashville-style finish.

Serving Tip

Serve immediately with ranch or bleu cheese dressing to balance the heat, or pair with a cooling side like celery sticks. These mozzarella sticks bring restaurant-level flavor straight to your kitchen.